Wow! There is snow in those hills! At the trailhead there was a group of 3 young snowshoers, alas they let us to go first but the great group of Arnold, Christine, Damian, Maria, Jim and me John shared in breaking a new trail on the old road - there is even more snow than on Monday when I was in the area (Wow again!). All but Arnold and I had done this trip, I think,  so it was good to have Jim along as there are a few "junctions" that he helped us out on. After leaving the trailhead, I think, around 9:45 we were at treeline about 1:00 pm. In the Highwood area off trail in the trees on unfrequented routes expect some trail breaking! We took care above treeline ascending to the sub peak as some in the group had seen this wind loaded slope avalanche in the past. So we took a conservative line to get to the sub peak on the ridge. We called it a day at the sub peak on the windy ridge with nice views somewhat obscured by, I think, blowing snow. Above treeline it was windy but not too cold (for me at least). The snow above tree-line, where it existed, was pretty wind hammered.
The return was uneventful except for me ....  I think I hit a small sapling on the trail which I think is unmaintained(?) and one ski stopped! I ended up spreadeagled with skis pointing in opposite directions on flat terrain! I think I would still be there but Damian came along and released one ski that I could not reach (thanks Damian!!)! Back at highway 40 just before 4:00 pm for a trip of around 6 hours. Thank you Maria for the photos and thank you all for helping out on the trip.




Jim, Arnold, Damian, Christine and John breaking out of the trees on to the avalanche prone slope on Mount Lipsett

Damian leaning into the wind on Lipsett sub peak

Looking across the Highwood valley to Odlum ridge and Mount Bishop beyond.

Mount Storelk (I think) and the Elk range